Revolution Evolution

2009-02-17T11:41:00.001-05:00

Not just any statistic...

I think the time has come to wind down the revolution. I think it had a good run, but somehow one feels that the baseline philosophy that I had when I began this blog, ragingly differs from who and where I am today. Couple this with the inability to write during what we all know as a widespread global crisis, and there you have my reasons. I don't see myself copy-pasting nonsensical news stories, or embedding videos, in an inglorious effort to keep this blog afloat. I would much rather resurface when the time is right.

I hope you enjoyed reading my inanities as much as I enjoyed writing it. RevEv has definitely had its moments.

But to my loyal hitters (yes, all 3 of you), don't despair. Don't hit the bottle or abuse substance or recklessly attack small farm animals just yet. One shall resurge like the phoenix with a new avatar and spirit, on another galaxy of the blogosphere, when the time is right.

Until then ... Au revoir, mes amis. Don't stop believing.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

2009-01-12T11:52:00.000-05:00

Two words, universe....

Slumdog..... Millionaire.

In other news, anil kapoor needs a muzzle.

Mr. Rahman - u r God!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

2008: Musical Flashback

2008-12-31T14:03:00.001-05:00

It was quite a tremendous year for Bollywood music. 2008 saw the infusion of new sounds and genres into its mainstream, as well as international music collaborations with big names from the West. The new age sound of Bollywood is so much more mature, evolved and global in its appeal, but it has still managed to keep itself firmly grounded to its traditional roots. While this year saw some incredible soundtracks, which continue to resound in our ears, it also saw some serious duds that ended up flushed into forgetability rather rapidly. Here’s a quick musical flashback at the year that was.

2008’s Paanch with Punch

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

With JTYJN, Rahman brought back the youthful sound that defined him back in the days of Rangeela and Kadhal Desam. The album was replete with emotional ballads as well as fun and frolic dance tracks. The controversy around Pappu Can’t Dance added more masala to it as well, and the other significant highlight of the album would have to be the fizzy and light “Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi”, which introduced light-voiced balladeer Rashid Ali to Bollywood, as well as the jazzy title track rendered by ARR himself. This album definitely deserves top-notch marks for being a light-hearted and enjoyable album, while still being rich in terms of musical flavor.

Singh is King

Ekdum Dhamaal! This crossover album effectively brought the ‘pind’ into the nightclubs of urban India. Could anyone have predicted that 2008 would see the collaboration of our vernacular veteran Akshay Kumar and the notorious rapper Snoop Dogg? The soundtrack also featured the coming together of several global artists of varied experience levels, including Hard Kaur and Jay Dabhi. The best part of Singh is King was the fact that it featured certain songs that went from slightly nauseating to highly addictive in just a few listens – especially Bhootni Ke which has become a permanent fixture at North Indian weddings. Expect to hear similar sounds from Akshay Kumar movies in the future, like Chandni Chowk to China.

Rock On

Rock On was without doubt 2008’s underdog, which went on to create a rocking impact across the music world. At first listen, Farhan Akhtar’s guttural vocals over Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s solid rock arrangements seemed like an experimental one-off, which would lead it to be dismissed by critics, and restricted to a few cult rock followers. In contrast, the album and every one of its tracks have attained an anthem-like popularity. Rock On has clearly emerged as one of the most appreciated Indi-rock efforts, especially in the uniqueness of the songs themselves (Pichle Saat Dinon Mein, Sinbad the Sailor). In addition to hard rock, the song features some delicate and cutting-edge guitar ballads rendered by Caralisa. This album will clearly open doors for many experiments with rock emerging out of India in the near future, and kudos to the team behind it.

Yuvvraaj

With JTYJN and Jodhaa Akbar, A R Rahman was already on a winning streak for ’08, while he continued to work on several international projects. It is still a wonder as to how ARR manages to juggle all his various initiatives, and yet continues to deliver the same quality of excellence in each of his albums. Yuvvraaj was one such hallmark for ARR, especially because it brought back the Ghai/Rahman combination that created “Taal”. While the film may not have been able to create ripples, Yuvvraaj boasted of a splendid and diverse musical sound, especially with symphonic arrangements and usage of relatively unheard instruments (cello) and sounds. The fusion sound of Manmohini Morey and the anthem-like Dil Ka Rishtaa were the stand-out tracks on the album, while the delicacy of Tu Muskura and Dost were heart-warming.

Dostana

While the last year saw the emergence of new genres, MDs like Vishal Shekhar worked feverishly through the year to build upon pre-existing sounds of Bollywood, and while some of their efforts didn’t work as effectively as they may have intended (Tashan), Dostana was an accomplished effort, in terms of both critical and popular appreciation. Desi Girl continues to burn up dancefloors, while ballads like Kuch Kum and Khabar Nahi gave the album much more depth and intensity. The album also saw Vishal Dadlani get behind the mic, and saw the duo give their promised and deserving break to SaReGaMa star, Amanat Ali, who rendered the touching “maula” alaap on Khabar Nahi.

2008’s Punched-Up Paanch

Love Story 2050

As futuristic as this movie was supposed to be, with Harman and Priyanka space-dancing with silver foiled aliens, the soundtrack was extremely dated and weak. The failure of LS 2050 fueled the depleting career curve of Anu Malik, who hasn’t come out with a quality soundtrack in eons.

God Tussi Great Ho

A starcast like this one (Amitabh/Salman/Priyanka) may seem like a divine combination. Sadly, the music was not so heavenly. Sajid-Wajid have traditionally delivered superior-quality soundtracks, especially in their compositions and arrangements, but GTGH was a veritable damp squib.

Karzzz

The expectations were towering. Himesh Reshammiya was at the top of his career curve, riding on the success of Aap Kaa Suroor. The stage was set for the recreation of an Indian classic film. Its difficult to admit that a crash landing was in the offing, but its true. Himesh’s nasality and overtly simplistic arrangements could have carried him once or twice, but every one-trick pony has a maximum time-span. And Himesh, its more than evident that your pony is done.

Jimmy

Certain soundtracks honestly make one wonder – “what were they thinking”? Devised to be the launch vehicle for Mimoh Chakraborty, who clearly carried a lot of Daddy Mithun’s dreams, the soundtrack featured some of the weakest arrangements of the year, and failed to carry any weight even with a bevy of heavy-duty singers like Kailash Kher, Kunal Ganjawala and Shaan.

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic

Extremely tragic. This Mary Poppins-esque debacle was a disappointing half-baked effort by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who clearly did not want to devote too much of time or attention to this project. The result was a rehash of some of their older work, and a highly forgettable soundtrack.

Honorable Mentions

Ae Pappi (Kismat Konnection)

Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno)

Ek Meetha Marz De Ke (Welcome to Sajjanpur)

Mar Jawaan (Fashion)

O Re Piya (Aaja Nachle)

"Baldly" go where no man has gone before..

2008-12-21T08:25:00.001-05:00

No limits to what movie stars will do to promote their movies these days. In the picture above, you have Aamir buzzing the "Ghajini" haircut on a few of his fans, as part of the promotional activities for his film. Full article here.

Don't believe in mincing those words, do you, SRK?

2008-12-20T23:27:00.001-05:00

Question: Aamir kick-started the final promotions for his film Ghajini with the release of your film. Your comment?

SRK: I think it is a very good strategy. He thinks he can ride off the brand that is Shah Rukh Khan, which is the biggest brand. The problem is, I cannot ride on any other brand as there is no brand bigger than me!

Daym, son!

When Indi-Pop began...

2008-12-20T21:29:00.001-05:00

Now you're talking

2008-12-20T19:34:00.001-05:00

Rahman does fusion, just right. This takes Lebanese Blonde (Thievery Corporation) to the next level.

Love the way this song starts off all pretty with pianos and guitar (assumedly, that's Mausam), and that kicks into the sitar, drum 'n' bass groove.

A constituent of the radical new OST that is Slumdog Millionaire.

Behka Main Behka

2008-12-13T16:59:00.001-05:00

When I first heard this song, I figured that the video would have to be extremely "hatke" to match up to the work Rahman has done with it. Its amazing to see the creativity and spirit that Bollywood exudes during the process of film-making. The industry has certainly come a long way. While Aamir does look a tad bit haggard, must laud his tenacity and ability to reinvent himself so brilliantly.

Ghajini's looking drastic! Can't wait.

Note to Ahmed Khan - R&B is Rhythm and Blues, not Rhythm and Bass.

Chak Lein De

2008-12-10T20:13:00.001-05:00

Awesome Kailash Kher track from the OST of CC2C (sorry, being very Delhi-ite with my abbreviations, today).

The best part is the flute interlude after the second verse, and the really best part comes after the last verse when the song goes into an acoustic guitar mode, and then crescendoes back with flutes and drums back into the hook. Nice job, K.Kher!

Dev D

2008-12-08T19:58:00.001-05:00

Seems to be like a glitzier "Leaving Las Vegas" on acid. Not too convinced about the choice of Abhay Deol as the lead here, but he could prove me wrong. The dark look of brooding negativity, and drug-inspired panning shots are elements which haven't been seen too often in Bollywood. Either they have been too pretentious (Aks) or rather meaningless (No Smoking - which is also Anurag Kashyap's doing).

In either case, its nice to see a new spin on an old tale. Props for the effort itself.

sometimes my ipod can read my mind

2008-11-30T17:46:00.001-05:00

do pal ruka khwabon ka karavan,

aur phir chal diye, tum kahaan, hum kahaan,

do pal ki thi, yeh dilon ki daastaan,

aur phir chal diye, tum kahaan, hum kahaan,

Guzarish

2008-11-26T07:13:00.001-05:00

Tight new track from Aamir's Ghajini.

Deadly hook. In classic ARR style, the major verse transitioning to a minor chorus is phenomenal!

Rahman totally gets this s/t right.

2008-11-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

Dallas for the day

Drove out to Dallas for the day. Had a few meetings, and some business to take care of.

Find it ominous that I'm in Dallas on Nov 22 - a day where 45 years ago, JFK was shot dead in this very city. Plan to drive by Dealy Plaza later, on my way back to H-town, and solemnly reminisce by mystic curiosity for one of the greatest so-called "conspiracies" of our time.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

In Houston for the weekend

2008-11-21T14:45:00.001-05:00

Had to get away from the east freeze. Here are the stats:

New York: 37 deg F

Houston 58 deg F

Works for me!

Tell me your dreams..

2008-11-17T21:42:00.001-05:00

You want soulful music that will hit you like a ton of bricks? Listen to Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan's solo album, Tabeer. Phenomenal stuff!

A musically and vocally superior album, Tabeer (An Interpretation of Dreams) nails in the fact that Shafqat was indeed the lifeblood of Fuzon. With Tabeer, he establishes himself as a legendary classical singer and musician. All the songs have a characteristic raw and elemental classical theme to them, interspersed with other musical genres. Almost like a response to Classically Mild, only not as mild, as the vocal and atmosphere is more intense.

Here's Rohi as a good example:

India celebrates planting its flag on moon - Yahoo! News

2008-11-15T22:14:00.001-05:00

WTG, ISRO! :-)

India celebrates planting its flag on moon - Yahoo! News

Awaaz di hai

2008-11-15T17:27:00.001-05:00

Came across this gem, the other day. A serious blast from the past, from the limited collection of Bappi Lahiri's golden years (Yes, all the gold which he turned into kilos of bling neckwear, for his non-golden years to follow). From the film, Aitbaar (1985) - which was Mukul Anand's answer to Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder.

Awaaz di hai aaj ik nazar ne
Yaa hai yeh dil ko gumaan
dohraa rahee hain, jaise fizaayen
bhuli hui daastaan

Awaaz Di Hai .mp3 - Bhupinder, Asha Bhosle (Music: Bappi Da)

Wish it were fiction...

2008-11-12T21:00:00.001-05:00

Can never forget the chills I felt, as the climax of Airframe revealed itself, and the intense build-up that led to it. The unputdownable thriller - just one of this man's immense repertoire - combined his mesmerizing abilities of story-weaving and telling, with an intense amount of research and comprehensive perception of the premise's framework . Not since Arthur Hailey, has a writer managed to portray a believable in-depth understanding of subjective premises, and been capable of portraying it effectively, without being obfuscatory to the unknowing reader.

He revolutionized science fiction with the concept of recreating dinosaurs from DNA extracted from fossilized mosquitoes. He inspired a new genre of edge-of-the-end-of-the-world disaster, with The Andromeda Strain. He spun an epic legend of time travel in Timeline. His array of creativity knows no parallel. Unfortunately, his life was cut jagged short.

Last week, the world lost one of the most gifted writers of our generation.

Michael Crichton (1942 - 2008).

Sweet!

2008-11-12T20:36:00.001-05:00

Aside from the closet innuendo and Priyanka's blazen-ness, Dostana has a compelling soundtrack. Highlight being, this gem - Khabar Nahin - which has Vishal Dadlani crooning the tune, rather well.

Groovy beat programming - very reminiscent of "Must be the Money" - accented brilliantly by the earnest "Maula mere Maula" chorus by Amanat Ali. Nice to see the Sa Re Ga Ma contestant make a neat Bollywood debut, and lets hope he's here to stay.

Check out my detailed review of Dostana here.

Currently Sampling: The rest of Dostana, Yuvvraaj and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Nuff said, 'merica

2008-11-12T20:17:00.001-05:00

Totally badass!

Bury the hatchet

2008-11-02T22:24:00.001-05:00

Alright. Fine. Just heard it end to end, and gotta admit it. Evolver is an ILL album! At least Legend's putting the name to premium-shelf use. Hehe. Great digs.

And remember - Buy, don't bootleg.

No Other Love (Feat. Estelle) - John Legend

Don't feel that bad, anymore

2008-11-02T20:56:00.001-05:00

Nov 4th

2008-11-02T09:07:00.001-05:00

E-volver, c'est moi!

2008-10-31T13:22:00.001-05:00

I have a bone to pick with you, Mr. Stephens. Even without the "hyphen", your new album title, EVOLVER, is a blatant rip off off my blog's ideology - my blogeology, if you will. Haven't you heard of Creative Commons?

From its modest beginnings in October 2005, The E-volver has contributed to the blogosphere, nearly 1000 random thoughts/opinions on everything that matters - music, movies and melancholic morphing mice. What have you got on that? 3 albums in 4 years. 11 Grammies and an AMA. Pathetic!

Hmph. I'll let it slide, Legend. Just cause I'm cool like that. Next time, find someone elses blog title to "Get Lifted".

Currently hooked onto: Estelle's American Boy (feat. Kanye West). The black and white video's pretty cool, except for this Estelle person ... serious tranny alert. Did I stay that out loud?

True Dat..

2008-10-27T22:57:00.001-05:00

When God solves your problems, you have faith in his abilities.

When he does not solve your problems, he has faith in your abilities

Nuff Said

2008-10-24T17:26:00.001-05:00

"In the closet? Dude, he's so deep in the closet, he's finding Christmas presents".

2008-10-18T14:02:00.001-05:00

George Parr: Making sense of it all

The Last Laugh - George Parr - Subprime
by erioluk

Currently Sampling: Yuvvraaj

2008-10-17T22:17:00.001-05:00

I'm ensconced. That's all I can say. Some of the tracks are so overwhelming and unique, that it may take a while to digest. The union of Ghai and Rahman has always yielded something unprecedented (there is yet no Bollywood parallel to Ramta Jogi or the Western Version of Taal).

So far, the stand-out track for me is "Manmohini". Rendered by new-name Vijay Prakash, who sounds like a blend of Hariharan and Shankar Mahadevan. The song is mellow yet trippy - very world lounge with a distinct classical base, and an interesting beat pattern. Seems like it would mix really well with No Letting Go by Wayne Wonder - especially the opening Dhoom Tana sample.

Very unlike conventional Rahman, as it has a very nouveau-ambient feel with touches of electronica, but I guess he's forever evolving and how. While I haven't formed a comprehensive opinion on it (and I gladly have nearly a month before I review this one), the sound is revolutionarily fresh - a real trip.

2008-10-15T20:31:00.001-05:00

Who the heck is Joe?

Joe Six-Pack? Joe The Plumber?

Pray tell - who is Joe, and why is he so popular amongst the nominees?

Grinds My Gears...

2008-10-11T22:09:00.001-05:00

To quote a post by Amardeep (Sepia Mutiny)

"The LA Times has a rather silly piece, where they interview “body language” experts on yesterday’s Presidential debate. The highlight for me was this little bit about pronunciation:

But Glass, who thought the debate was a draw, said Obama seemed unnatural at times. “Somebody coached him and did not do him a favor,” she said. “When he talks about an issue he’s passionate about, his gestures are fluid and real, but other times, he took his index finger and clasped it to his thumb, and it’s phony, it’s not real.”
She also thought his inflection might be a turn-off to some voters. “He’d say, ‘Pahk-ee-stahn,’ or ‘Tolly-bahn.’ You need to say Pakistan and Taliban like everyone else.” (link)

Um, is it possible he pronounces it correctly because… it’s actually the correct pronunciation?

Some bloggers over at the National Review’s “The Corner” have picked up on this as well (thanks for the tip, Sree):

The National Review’s Mark Stein, for example, said that Obama prefers the “exotic pronunciation.” He added, “[O]ne thing I like about Sarah Palin is the way she says ‘Eye-raq’.”
This came after the National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez posted an email that argued, “[N]o one in flyover country says Pock-i-stahn. It’s annoying.” (link)

Actually, I know plenty of people in certain “flyover countries” — i.e., in the Indian subcontinent — who pronounce it exactly that way.

Welcome to the United States of Stupidistan, folks. "

Got Digits?

2008-10-08T19:33:00.001-05:00

1133 Sixth Avenue, New York City: The national debt clock had to add an extra digit on Wednesday, as the number inched ahead of US$10 Trillion. At least there's ONE economic metric that's growing.

Finding Humor in Havoc

2008-10-06T19:19:00.001-05:00

Drift away...

2008-10-04T13:10:00.001-05:00

There have been very few "Ae Ajnabi"s in Bollywood. Mellow, slow, long numbers that attain cult status. Caravan from the s/t of "Hello" is potentially one such drifter/nomadic/long drive to nowhere-type track. Voiced by the prolific Shafquat Amanat Ali Khan. Yenjoy.

2008-10-02T22:41:00.002-05:00

Eye-Rack

In the well-globalized world that we live in, and with the clear de-centralization of America from centerstage, isn't it about time that candidates start to pronounce foreign countries and world leaders names correctly? American English is no international patois, no more.

Without doubt, Sarah Palin is the new Dan Quayle.

What a kindergarten debate!

2008-10-02T21:43:00.001-05:00

Boy, they "dumbed" it down for her, didn't they? Where was the challenge? Why didn't anyone tell Palin that she didn't "answer" several of the questions? Palin was all gimmicks, to say the least. If only this was a debate for picking a host for "Farmer Wants a Wife: The Anchorage Edition". Not at a VP debate, for crying out loud.

In other news, why am I complaining? I can't even vote. Bah.

Go Nucular!

2008-10-02T21:07:00.001-05:00

Debate started off pretty sober, but has picked up in its intensity once key questions (foreign policy, war spending, and I wonder why this is still a burning issue in the 21st century - but - gay marriage).

Biden's definitely coming across more "presidential". I love the questionable smile when Sarah Palin makes a directed remark.

Palin seems more like she's calming an argument at a sorority sister's reunion. Her rhetoric is so "he-said-she-said". Usage of words like "soccer moms" and "joe-six-pack" do not make you a people person, lady. She reminds me of Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde, but at least Reese came across smart at the end.

Tina Fey for Vice President!

2008-09-30T07:50:00.002-05:00

A Wednesday

A well-paced and well-timed thriller. Its about time that Bollywood came up with a crisp, real-time edge-of-your-seater (a la Speed or Phone Booth).

The gripping aura of terrorism has become a universal and widespread "movie thriller premise " now. Quite like "serial killers" back in the 90s.

If this is an original story, it is undoubtedly a great concept. In terms of handling, the run-up to the climax could have been more effective and subtle, post revelation of the twist. The dialogue between Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah could have been more impactful. But that's just nitpicking, as the effort is more than laudable.

Naseeruddin Shah is world class in a subdued and effective performance. More short and well-scripted thrillers, Bollywood!

New Age-Hindi

2008-09-28T16:47:00.001-05:00

Shantanu Moitra has really hit the nail on the head, with this subtle, beautiful ballad, unassumingly found on the soundtrack of Welcome to Sajjanpur (haan, babua! kaa samjhe?). The omnipresent Mohit Chauhan who has apparently vowed to be on every Hindi soundtrack ever made, accompanies Madhushree on "Ek Meetha Marz Dene", which really grows on you after a few listens.

I don't think I would be exaggerating, if I would call this one of the sweetest composed/rendered ballads of '08.

In other news, the bailout bill is out. If you can't access it, try again later - the government financial services site may have crashed due to unprecedented usage - a sign of things to come, I guess ;-)

Be careful what you wish for...

2008-09-28T02:06:00.001-05:00

... 'cuz you just might get it all. Did I call it, or did I call it? :-)

Thanks for the tip there, nbanad!

In other news, just got back from Burn After Reading. The Coens rule!

Je vous en prie

2008-09-27T20:26:00.001-05:00

Commercial cinema is overrated. Switch to lndies! Well, with the exception of curious spectacles like Burn After Reading, which I can't wait to watch btw, Indies are where its at. Foreign indies, especially.

Back in 2006, this gorgeous, gorgeous French/English (Finglish?) movie called "Paris, Je T'aime" came by, featuring a smorgasbord of cast members ranging from amateurs to legends (Steve Buscemi, Juliette Binoche, Natalie Portman, Nick Nolte, Maggie Gyllenhaal). The movies format was Dus Kahaaniyaan-ish, with 18 separate "arrondissements". Thematically, the movie explores the emotions of love, but all of them set in the legendary city of Paris. With some shorts directed by established directors (The Coens, Gus Van Sant, Gerard Depardieu, Gurinder Chadha), this movie is highly recommended for those who love this format of film-making - i.e. a collection of short, touching tales that make you think.

Absolutely heartwarming.

In other news, would love to see someone make this kinda movie in NYC.

Looking Good

2008-09-27T18:21:00.001-05:00

Really liking this new track from Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion (Salim-Suleiman's music). Reminds me a lot of Zara Zara. Brilliant arrangement, and the low register female vocals with classical touches are nicely done! Enjoy!

In other news, also check out "Kuch Khaas" (Mohit Chauhan and Neha "Viva" Bhasin) from the same album.

For a movie...

2008-09-24T21:05:00.001-05:00

... that truly speaks of the power of human spirit.

Highly, highly recommended viewing.

Telling it like it is....

2008-09-24T20:39:00.001-05:00

A couple of classic Warren-isms, from the greatest investor out there.

"[Gold] gets dug out of the ground in Africa, or someplace. Then we melt it down, dig another hole, bury it again and pay people to stand around guarding it. It has no utility. Anyone watching from Mars would be scratching their head."
- Warren Buffet, Harvard, 1998

"After all, you only find out who was swimming naked, once the tide goes out"

Warren Buffet, Charman's Letter, 2001

Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

As quoted in The Real Warren Buffett : Managing Capital, Leading People (2002) by James O'Loughlin

"I'm a PC ... and a human being..."

2008-09-23T21:00:00.001-05:00

"Not a human doing. Not a human thinking .... a human being".

Oh Dr. Deepak Chopra. If I could only learn your art of making millions out of the verbal cattle dung that you spew to this gullible world. You are truly a visionary. Ka-ching!

End of an Era

2008-09-23T19:48:00.001-05:00

The former-Lehman Brothers historic building on Times Square, now lit up with Barclays Capital logos.

Review Catch-Up

2008-09-21T21:41:00.001-05:00

Caught up on a few mile-high movies, while traveling:

Smart People: Arrogant, yet amusing. Highly reminiscent of Margot at the Wedding, for some reason. Prefer this avatar of Ellen Page, where she seems much more real and confused, versus her Joan-of-Arc-ish character in Juno. Sarah Jessica Parker was actually tolerable and at times, pretty, for a change. Thomas Haden-Church - awesome. Dennis Quaid - traditionally subdued.

Really looking forward to Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.

The Happening: The acting, being a lot more theatrical and Hitchcockian - with the intense close-ups - is a little variant from Shyamalan's usual style. But the intensity is well-carried throughout the film. Gladly the plot is not other-worldly with wierd creatures and names. It was also nice to see the UTV showreel at the beginning of a Hollywood film. In terms of the India-centric power shift when it comes to entertainment and production - its happening!

U Me Aur Hum: Bollywood interpretation of the runaway success tearjerker, The Notebook. The Alzheimer's premise is a gripping one, and captured very effectively in The Notebook, which probably was the sole reason that led to its blockbuster-ish DVD rentals. The whole concept of portraying a love story, and its passion, and then having one partner start to forget it all, with little spurts of memory, is universally strong on sentiment. For the Bollywood-ization of it, UMH was not bad at all, actually. A little too soppy and over-the-top at times, but that's the traditional Bollywood compromise. Some Ajay-Kajol scenes were handled with absolute finesse, though. The highlight of this film for me, was the Saiyyan sequence - with Kajol looking absolutely goddess-like.

I Am Legend: I still wonder why I missed watching this movie in the first place? One of the most spectacular edge-of-the-end-of-the-world movies ever made. I would put this way above Cloverfield in terms of its content, and with 99% of those points attributed to Will "The Legend" Smith. With half the film's length featuring him alone on screen, he is probably one of the only actors in today's time who could've carried off this performance.

Rock On: A well-done, feel-good flick. Farhan Akhtar is a much better actor than he is a singer, and a much better director than he is an actor. Part of Bollywood Renaissance of movies that portray life in metro-India as it truly is (instead of going all village-ish, or metro-critical). Farhan began this effectively with DCH, lost his Lakshya towards the middle, and is back in the saddle with Rock On!

No Country for Old Men: Watched it again! Javier Bardem is prolific!

What Happens in Vegas: *Sigh* Shouldn't have bothered.

Chaos Theory: What was I thinking?

Jesus wants YOU ... to lose weight

2008-09-21T10:58:00.001-05:00

Drona

2008-09-20T08:08:00.001-05:00

Detailed review here, but I really like the layout and rendition of the Sunidhi Chauhan track, Bandagi. The title track is interesting as well, especially the way the punch word "Drona" is used. Check it out.

Comment on Marketwatch

2008-09-20T07:54:00.001-05:00

Horsesense says

Not to worry. This just in:
-"The fundamentals of the economy are strong." -John McCain
All problems solved. Rejoice!

Paper Profiling?

2008-09-20T07:37:00.001-05:00

Until fairly recently, I thought the lyrics of the song went, "Gora Kaagaz tha yeh mann mera....". And I wondered, what the writer had against colored paper?

In other news, the words TGIF had no better raison d'etre than September the 19th. What a week it has been! A non-smoking analyst on Wall Street went outside his office to accompany his smoking buddies during a downtrend in the markets. He ended up taking a drag or two, and returned to see the markets recover. He has hence started to smoke, as he believes that he is the sole cause of the same. Its funny how one economy's upswing is another man's cancer. Interesting and historic times that we live in, folks!

For dem gadget freaks

2008-09-19T05:45:00.001-05:00

Google Phone In Sight

BURLINGAME, CALIF. -

The fabled "Google phone" officially launches in October, but it has already hit Silicon Valley.

Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) has handed a few hundred phones to its internal teams of engineers for real world testing. These reference models, presumably preproduction versions of the HTC Dream, are inconspicuous. Thicker than an iPhone, the flat, grayish-black hunk of plastic does not call attention to itself. It takes a savvy pedestrian to spot its identifying marks: a bank of serial numbers engraved across its face and backplate and a discrete white "with Google" badge stamped on the back.

But they are out there.

For nearly a year, Googlers have toiled away in Mountain View, Calif., on Android, the new mobile platform that many developers had hoped would have as great an impact on the mobile world as Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people )'s iPhone. Glu Mobile (nasdaq: GLUU - news - people ) chief Greg Ballard prophesied last June that Google's system would be easier to develop applications for than those powering traditional handsets and would allow developers to take advantage of data such as contact lists and Global Positioning System information stored on the phone.

Now, enthusiasm is cooling. One member of the development community says the prospect of a Google phone was exciting. But Android has come to resemble many other software platforms--and consumers are less likely to stand in lines for software than for hardware. (See "A Geeky Remedy For Recession Blues.")

On Tuesday Google announced that the first Android-equipped phone, a 3G- and WiFi-capable HTC handset, would ship in October with T-Mobile in the United States. Although neither T-Mobile nor Google have confirmed the price, analysts have widely speculated that the phone will cost about $199.

According to the development community, a bank of tools and games will be packed with the operating system. Additional free applications will be available for download at launch. Paid applications, however, which typically are more elaborate programs, are not expected to be available until early next year.

Forbes.com spotted a phone on the streets of San Francisco. It resembles alleged HTC Dream footage leaked in a blurry video on YouTube in August. A large touch screen eats up most of the phone's available real estate. However, unlike Apple's device, it boasts a palette of physical buttons (both for selection and call initiation) and a small trackball for zipping across its multipaged menus. The screen slides up to reveal a shallow keyboard. Think of it as an anorexic T-Mobile Sidekick.

Tapping out search phrases on the keyboard is not difficult, but it is awkward. Unlike similar devices with hide-away keyboards, only the screen of the Google phone slides upwards. This creates an obstruction between your right-hand thumb and the keyboard.

The model we tried out had few onboard applications. The main screen, which switched between portrait and landscape modes depending on the phone's orientation, offered native Google applications including Mail and Docs. The next screen was dedicated to a Google search bar. It was unclear whether users could create additional pages or customize existing ones. However, a small tab running along the bottom (or right-hand side) of each page opened up a compact menu screen for accessing additional programs and settings.

Snap judgment: Android is a zippy operating system but is tripped up by the user interface. The convergence of physical buttons and touch screen makes first interactions slightly confounding. For instance, you have to use the touch screen (by tugging it upward with your finger) to open the menu system--even though the trackball can zip between the two pages. And, while you dial phone numbers directly on the touch screen, you have to press the physical call button to connect.

It is unknown how old these Googler-toted phones are. Presumably, the Google phone has undergone both hardware and software revisions since they were deployed. But, as with all Google products, Android will undoubtedly be released in beta version.

2008-09-18T20:00:00.001-05:00

As Dickens put it best...

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

And as I always say ...

2008-09-07T15:16:00.001-05:00

Cruising Dubai is always fun, when you have the right equipment.

Muhahaha!! Tashan mein....

@ Asha's

2008-09-07T15:12:00.001-05:00

Dinner at Asha Bhosle's new boutique Indian-fusion restaurant at the Pyramids. Delectable food and a spectacular ambience! Some of the best desi food in Dubai. Highly recommended.

All the wine lists had the title, "A Brimful of Asha" - really nice touch!

The decor was awesome - completely done up in reds and oranges, with black and white pictures of Asha through the years.

2008-09-06T12:40:00.001-05:00

Burj Dubai: Eye-Witness Update

2008-09-05T15:25:00.001-05:00

Its huge, man! Screaming out into the sky like something unreal and alienistic.

This is a view of the Burj from the newly developed "Old Town" Dubai, part of Downtown Dubai.

Here it is, in all its glory.

And in case you want to compare it to other major skyscrapers in the area. Isn't this ridiculous???

"Trunk" Collection

2008-08-31T15:31:00.002-05:00

Plenty of R&R, and loving it. Dubai has changed by orders of magnitude. More skyscrapers. More cranes. An "EZPass"-like Saliq system. The Dubai Metro gaining definition and shape.

Meanwhile on the home front, Mom has acquired a spectacular Ganesha collection. Check it out!

Refrain from blogging between outbreaks

2008-08-29T09:01:00.001-05:00

At the airport, Gearing up to head to the homeland. Will be blogging from Dubai till mid-September, and will keep you all updated (verbally and pictorially) on the latest superlatives that the nation has progressed to (be it the biggest, tallest, and bestest). While posts may not be as regular, promise that they will be fun! :-)

In other news, the Obamas are starting to look like First Family material, especially watching their appearance after his DNC nomination acceptance speech. The political environment is so much more scripted and directed now, and one couldn't fathom the comparisons to JFK's acceptance. JFK was hardly as caustic as Obama, especially in his references to the opposition (Bear in mind, that he had the opportunity to rant on Eisenhower, whose policies were considerably detested). Also, still not sure if Biden was the rightful pick, or the "only" pick.

Silence never sounded so good

2008-08-26T20:04:00.001-05:00

Hotel Costes 7! Now that's what I'm talking about. I adore what they have done with this Simon and Garfunkel classic. Especially when the percussion kicks in. This kind of music really defines world lounge. Love it!

This looks positively delicious!

2008-08-23T13:03:00.001-05:00

What a bevy of talent! :-) Yummm.

2008-08-21T07:27:00.000-05:00

Argh!

Sorry for the radio silence. Much going on, in all respects, and gearing up to go back home in a week. Shall update soon.

Meanwhile - 3 medals for India!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Lap of Luxury

2008-08-17T08:04:00.001-05:00

Tashan is King

2008-08-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

Try this on for size....

Tashan is King - DJ Vishal

Messin' Witcha!

2008-08-13T20:16:00.001-05:00

Been jiggling around on Virtual DJ, all evening. Lovin' it! Prepare for more viciously delightful mixes (at least its music to "my" ears). Major novice, here - all I've got is the ear for it. Right now, I'm on Looping and Syncing 101. You've got to admit - this is a pretty dope transition.

Also, worked on this mellowed experimental blend of Bachna Ae Haseeno, with a percussion loop from Dheere Dheere (OST-Shaurya).

Butterflyz by Alicia Keys

2008-08-10T17:38:00.001-05:00

One of the most touching and sensual songs that Keys has ever written. Also check this awesome drum 'n' bass remix of Butterflyz:

"Denim like the Jean"

2008-08-10T17:34:00.001-05:00

A heartfelt and sad farewell to Bernie Mac - who passed away this weekend after a bout of pneumonia that turned critically serious. He was 50. He had a unique brand of humor which could be associated only with him. It grew on you after you started to understand his body language, and expressiveness. His scenes in Ocean 11 (the Aloe Vera scene where he starts to appreciate the car dealer's hands, the "cracker" scene with Matt Damon/Andy Garcia) as well as his performance in Guess Who, are two of my all-time favorites.

Bernie - we're sure you're making them all smile, ear-to-ear, up there. You will be missed.

Urban Tadkaa...

2008-08-10T17:29:00.001-05:00

...or is it "Urban Spice". The new Iselin, NJ restaurant seems to have both signs up. Now, I'm not one to venture out onto Oak Tree Road, unless I have hurricane-strength desi food cravings, and Tamarind and Dawat are both either closed or absolutely inaccessible. But this new joint caught me by surprise. Good, spicy Indian food, nice decor with a very warm feel to it. Highly recommended!

Not just annoying; Also, racist!

2008-08-06T20:03:00.001-05:00

Did I not call it? Clearly I wasn't the only one who had issues with that annoying "more flags more fun" dope.

Did Six Flags really think that this was going to work, as a campaign? What note did the brainstorming session end on? Aight, this idea sucks, that idea sucks. Lets just settle on a screaming Asian head counting off flags as an indication of funn.

Schmucks.

Forgetting Winnie Cooper

2008-08-05T22:34:00.001-05:00

Apparently, Danica McKellar's grown up. The pre-teen hottie from Wonder Years (did she ever get high with Fred Savage?) is now an author. She was recently at Columbus Circle, publicizing her new book, Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss. Ahem, a little preachy, no? Ok. Talk about things I didn't see coming, 15 years ago.

In other news, my anthem for the last two weeks - at least after the wildest Pachita shower lounge bash ever. This is Calabria by Enur (featuring Natasha). Horn and brass hooks are here to stay, eh? (a la Kismat Konnection?). Also, catch this track on the latest Target "dorm dance off" commercial.

In case you're think its Esperanto or something, its "Whoop Whoop when you run come around, cuz I know you're the talk of the town, yea"

I heart Sugandha Garg

2008-08-04T23:56:00.001-05:00

There are so many people in my life that her character in JTYJN ("Shaleen") reminds me of. Especially owed to her natural acting, and the way she just slipped into that role, so adorably!!!!

Doc's back

2008-08-03T22:44:00.001-05:00

If you want a remix that is capable of reviving and making a track that missed the boat, happening again, caught this gem at a house party over the weekend. Its from Dr. Zeus' Welcome 2 Da Club - a Bollywood remix album that's crept up and raised some eyebrows of interest.

Totally love the percussion (its very Shamur).

Experiments with Natural Dark Photography

2008-08-03T21:55:00.001-05:00

Tried a couple of sample shots around the apartment.

Its moments like these....

2008-08-03T21:20:00.001-05:00

.. that make you truly happy from within. A simple "coming together" of two singing styles. A separate language, almost. Especially Hariharan's "samaa jaaye" at the very end - magical. Is there anything more beautiful and ecstatic than musical fusion?

On repeat on my playlist for many weeks...

Aiso gaye pardes piyaa tum
Chain humein nahin aaye...

"Can't take the Ranjhore out of the Rathod"

2008-08-02T12:16:00.001-05:00

Nicely done.

Quite like the third little bear's stuff from Goldilocks, JTYJN was just right. Imran and Genelia have a natural flair for acting realistically. There are no "heros" in this film - just real people. Its not pretentious, not groundbreaking. Just pure good ol' simple Bombay fun. Just what the doctor ordered. Love the way the various relationships are portrayed, especially Jai and Aditi. As well as the various interplays between the friends, and between the kids and their parents (especially Jai and his mom).

The Meghna chick could've been replaced by someone better and a little less Maharashtian. She was as disjoint as Sonali Kulkarni in Dil Chahta Hai, and she was a major disappointment of the Rajat Kapoor/Kitu Gidwani sequence, which was awesome.

Talking of them, the cameos were lethal, and what made the movie really special. Naseeruddin and Arbaaz/Sohail were hilariously over-the-top. The music was perfect. Majorly disappointed that "jaane tu mera kya hai" never made it up on screen, and I really feel I'm the only one batting for this song. What to do, I love it so much.

And that brings me to who blew me away, leading me to rewatch his sequences, many a time over. Pratiek Babbar (Smita Patil's son). In a less than 10 minute performance, this kid packed in a role of a lifetime - one of the most powerfully-etched characters of the film, and displayed immense potential. In his short role as Amit (Aditi's son), Pratiek plays the artistic rebel brother whom the parents cannot reform - a behavioral deviant with a pet rat and a constant foul mood/mouth.

What Pratiek managed to do, was something that actors like Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna have never done - "displayed the OPTIMUM amount of intensity". While they are all immense intense actors in their own right, they conform to the Bollywood definition of "intense" which was written back in the 70s, and a little outdated - the serious eyes, the frown, the nonchalance, the voice. What Pratiek brings to the table is all of that coupled with the "natural" intensity that he displays. And of course, his mother's striking features screaming out of him. They way he sailed through this role, bringing it into his own, makes this one actor who could (if given the right opportunities) single-handedly change the way on-screen portrayals are done in Bollywood.

Tum Kahaan? Main Yahaan!

2008-07-31T21:50:00.001-05:00

Folks! Sorry about being off the blog scene, but there has been so much going on on all fronts, that I've been completely out-of-whack. I know that the point of a blog, is to get the ability to channel it all out, but sometimes, while you may have all the reason, there just isn't enough ability. But yes I'm back now. And I promise to stay, until the next market crisis.

In other news, Bally Sagoo/NFAK's "Kinna Sohna" blends mysteriously well with the opening theme from Night Court. Seriously, try singing over! :-)

Sometimes..

2008-07-27T00:42:00.001-05:00

even the most perfect of occasions, the most perfect of people, or the most perfect of relationships, hardly ever have a name or a timeframe. Or even a suitable title or definition. Or any degree of perfection. Or a definitive set of emotions associated with it.

Sometimes .. even the most perfect of things .. are quite simply understated and unsaid. And they just might not last all that long. And while one would crave to have the feeling last forever, one could find solace in respecting the fact that maybe those few instants of time .. were all that were meant to be experienced.

Sometimes ... there are no right decisions or correct answers.

And that's just how it is.

Hindi Acoustic Rock, done right

2008-07-20T09:10:00.001-05:00

There have been rock bands. There have been legendary Pakistani rock bands - that's one sect that has really got this genre down.

Then, there have been Indian rock bands - or a significant lacuna thereof (for the record, Euphoria and Indian Ocean aren't rock bands). For a nation with a college culture that swears by Sabbath and Sepultura, it still hasn't produced a decent rock band of repute.

This acoustic track from Rock On! is quite a solid attempt though. Enjoy!

Wah, Javed Saab

2008-07-16T22:09:00.001-05:00

Aankhen unko kahoon ya koi khwaab hain.
Aankhen neechi hui to haya ban gayi
Aankhen oonchi hui to duaa ban gayi
Aankhen utth kar jhuki to adaa ban gayi
Aankhen jhukh kar uththi, to khata ban gayi.

- Afreen Afreen (Sangam, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Javed Akhtar)

The Way I "Are"? It's The Way I "Am", dude!

2008-07-14T20:58:00.001-05:00

Nice!

Dubai detains 79 for indecent behavior on beaches - Yahoo! News

2008-07-14T17:51:00.001-05:00

Dubai detains 79 for indecent behavior on beaches - Yahoo! News

Could this be a case of breeding the wolf till it comes back to bite you? To quote a befuddled tourist at the end of it, "I understand that I have to respect the rules of the country," said John MacLean, a British tourist on holiday with his girlfriend. But, he added, "I am not sure if I can kiss her or touch her in public."

Lost in Translation

2008-07-14T16:35:00.001-05:00

Wikipedia has "Dum Maro Dum" listed with its translation as, "Take Another Toke".

Way to assassinate the so-far sublime promotion of 1970s religious drug use, Wiki.

Twisted Moralities

2008-07-14T14:22:00.001-05:00

Such is the theme of "In Bruges" - a film that is Tarantino meets Mathew Vaughn on acid. Not since Layer Cake has a film engendered such a riveting sarc-comedy about the world of hit-men. The humor is dark, and the script is almost comic book-ish in its twisted madness (there's a coke-fiend dwarf moviestar, and this is not science fiction), centered around three stellar performances - Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, to the backdrop of Bruges, a quaint Belgian village.

Bruges becomes synonymous to purgatory as you get into the meat of the movie, and realize that there is penitence that each character carries. And quite like life, even though the end may seem warped to many, without any form of justification, its time to accept that, even in the non-contract-killing world, that's pretty much how things are.

Montages...

2008-07-13T14:28:00.001-05:00

... make it all look so easy and quick.

I tried to clean up a room, supported by "Eye of the Tiger". It takes FOREVER, no matter how many camera angles you try to simulate. Also, tried studying in various positions with quick changes of serious expressions, around the room, while "The Final Countdown" played in the background. Music's over, and I'm still as clueless as before. Movies fake it up for you!

In other news, maybe I need to stop using cheesy '70s anthems in my montages.

They're back!

2008-07-10T22:49:00.001-05:00

Maroon 5. Haven't heard anything powerful from them in a while. And then this little gem comes along. Spotted it in the new 90210 commercial (why does the new team look so 'orange'?)

Its so Red Hot Chili Peppers in its arrangement. The opening notes sound so much like Californication and it even has shades of Other Side.

Hottie-Alert!

2008-07-08T22:31:00.001-05:00

Move over, Elisha Cuthbert, the mid-year revision of "flavor of the year" is April Bowlby. First spotted as Alan's neurotic ex-wife on Two and a Half Men. Something extremely sensual about that subdued, mature look that she has.

In other news, I was only kidding, Elisha. You can stay too.

Most Non-Photogenic Prez

2008-07-08T20:30:00.001-05:00

I could come up with a bevy of snappy captions for each picture in this G8 summit slideshow - with Bush looking goofier than holy hell. I just have no patience or inclination for Bush-bashing, anymore.

Alright fine .. just one.

"I'm so environmental y'all .. even my thought bubble is eco-friendly".

"Check it out check it out. Condy taught me how to moonwalk"

"C'maaaaaaaaaan ........ C'maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"

"Boo-yah!"

"Must ... stay ... away ... from ... grass! ... Got ... into ... enough ... trouble ... cuz of .... grass"

"Something in your eye, commie"

"Something in your hair, Angie"

"I just spent all afternoon picking stuff off world leaders. I have freaking arrived"

"Don't make fun of Meddy's blue suit. Don't make fun of the blue suit. Learn to live with the blue suit ... don't kick off another Cold War, Dubya ... Just 6 more months and you're out of the House ... Don't screw up. Yes its blue .. I know ... "

"Oh .. say ... can you seeeeee"

"Hey... you're short"

"Short, stocky, bald Algerian men give me goosebumps"

"Walk like an Egyptian.... with trailer park tootsie in tow"

"Solutions to the world's economic crisis? Dang, I came for the free sashimi, y'all"

Uber Edgy

2008-07-08T19:27:00.001-05:00

Remember the zany "frozen railroad" project around Grand Central Terminal, a few months ago - this is the same team, Improv Everywhere, and way so much cooler.

In other news, "Singh is Kinng" review up.

Role Reversal

2008-07-06T15:32:00.001-05:00

He cracked him! 7+ hours in the longest championship tennis match in history - and Majorcan, Rafael Nadal, finally broke the Wimbledon spell, beating Roger Federer to bring home the trophy.

6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7

Beyond the brilliant tennis, the respectful rivalry between the two is a sign of true sportsmanship.

A Fresh New Sound

2008-07-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

A beautiful, atypical and intricate chord structure supports Khuda Jaane - an awesome, metro-track from the world of Vishal-Shekhar, from the OST of Siddharth Anand's Bachna Ae Haseeno (Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Bipasha Basu, Minnisha Lamba).

Now that's an arrangement! Its one of those passive-aggressive compositions, which have this latent, subdued energy especially in the "Khuda Jaane Ke" chorus. Also, Ranbir and Deepika look stunning in the song's video - as do the eye-caressing locations.

P.S. Something about this song reminds me of the music of Aankhen (2002) - especially the track, Kuch Kasme. Must be the chords.

Hilarious!

2008-07-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

Nick Thune plays out this well-written stand-up set about instant messaging and chat rooms, back in the day when the internet had just booted up.

Can't all we "Trumpet Winsock", 28.8 Kbps, "Eudora" enthusiasts from the 90s, relate to this?

Remix-and-a-half

2008-07-04T11:57:00.001-05:00

And while we're on the subject of Leslie Lewis, Ghoongta was one helluva dance track. The video sucks, but the song is a pretty decent definition of India's urban nightlife.

Mode: Laid back

2008-07-04T11:53:00.001-05:00

Kismat Konnection review is up.

Take it away, Lezz.

Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein - Leslie Lewis

2008-07-02T23:01:00.000-05:00

In other news, can someone please kill the Six Flags "More flags more fun" guy?

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

"Anytime she goes away..."

2008-07-02T22:31:00.001-05:00

Ain't No Sunshine: One of the most "covered" songs in history, and one of my all time favorites. Withers composed this back in '71 while he designed toilet seats for jumbo jets. Apparently he still had to write lyrics for the part where he repeats "I know I know" 26 times, but he decided to leave it just as it was. Amazing.

The Jackson 5 version (lead vocals by Michael)

The Stryke version (Azul Project) - from Challe's Nirvana Lounge

David Sanborn (featuring Sting)

Kenny Rogers

Eva Cassidy

And yet nothing like original. Take it away, Mr. Bill Withers.

I guess some melodies are timeless - no matter how you sing it.

Lines that stick

2008-07-02T20:22:00.001-05:00

"Afterward, the seven hundred people in the boats had nothing to do but wait. Wait to die, wait to live, wait for an absolution that would never come" - Rose Dawson (Titanic, 1997)

This line was clearly written with a lot of forethought and emotion. Plenty of times when one feels this way. Lack of absolution. Even when you're hopeful, and even after the clarity appears. Absolution is something that honestly .. never comes.

Dear God!

2008-07-01T20:27:00.001-05:00

Will the madness ever end?

More on "Squiggly Lines"

2008-07-01T19:56:00.001-05:00

Here you go, Stewie.

They are known as "floaters" or "benign floaters" or "vitreous floaters": A blurry spot that seems to drift in front of the eyes but does not block vision. The blur is the result of debris from the vitreous of the eye casting a shadow on the retina. We call them "Squiggly Lines"!

Lakshmi Mittal joins Goldman Sachs' board

2008-07-01T19:52:00.001-05:00

NDTV, July 1, 2008: Lakshmi N. Mittal, world steel tycoon based in England, has joined the board of directors of Goldman Sachs Group Inc, one of the oldest and largest investment banking firms headquartered here.

Mittal, the chairman and chief executive of the world's largest steelmaker ArcelorMittal, joined Goldman's 12-member board Saturday as an independent director, the Wall Street firm said in a press release Sunday.

Goldman Sachs's board announced that Mittal will serve on the audit, compensation, corporate governance and nominating committees of the board.

He and his family together own over 43 percent of ArcelorMittal, which accounts for about 10 percent of the world's total steel output.

India born Mittal, 58, who settled in London n 1995, is Britain's wealthiest man and fourth richest person in the world with a personal fortune of $45 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

Lloyd C. Blankfein, chairman and CEO of Goldman, said: "Lakshmi Mittal has reshaped a global industry and, in the process, has engineered new modes of production, identified unrealised value and sparked remarkable growth."

"He has a keen understanding of the global economy, having operated in virtually every corner of the world. Lakshmi's experience, judgment and independent thinking represent an important addition to our board of directors, and will be of tremendous value to our people, our shareholders and our clients," Blankfein added.

Mittal, a B.Com from St. Xavier's College in Kolkata, founded Mittal Steel Company in 1976. The company acquired Arcelor S.A. to form ArcelorMittal in 2006.

For his outstanding business achievements, Mittal has received many honours and awards, including Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour. He was presented with a Fellowship from King's College London in 2007. The same year he received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Leadership Award and the Grand Cross of Civil Merit from Spain.

Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of services worldwide to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals.

Mittal is the second Indian on the board after Rajat Gupta, a senior partner at Mckinsey. Mittal is also a director of India's ICICI Bank and aerospace company EADS.

Interestingly, Mittal has also been on the international advisory board of one of Goldman's arch-rivals, Citigroup, but no longer holds this post.

Ogle at "Ooogle"

2008-06-30T19:52:00.001-05:00

Satyapaul's latest.

I have no words.

2008-06-29T23:10:00.002-05:00

The Rise of the Rest

Currently Consuming: Fareed Zakaria's "The Post-American World".

Its an optimistic and non-doomsday approach at the slow but sure resurgence of a non-western world. Highly recommended for those eager to get a grip on the mechanisms of an ongoing global power-shift - politically, economically and socially. Here's an excerpt:

"Look around. The world's tallest building is in Taipei, and will soon be in Dubai. Its largest publicly traded company is in Beijing. Its biggest refinery is being constructed in India. Its largest passenger airplane is built in Europe. The largest investment fund on the planet is in Abu Dhabi; the biggest movie industry is Bollywood, not Hollywood. Once quintessentially American icons have been usurped by the natives. The largest Ferris wheel is in Singapore. The largest casino is in Macao, which overtook Las Vegas in gambling revenues last year. America no longer dominates even its favorite sport, shopping. The Mall of America in Minnesota once boasted that it was the largest shopping mall in the world. Today it wouldn't make the top ten. In the most recent rankings, only two of the world's ten richest people are American. These lists are arbitrary and a bit silly, but consider that only ten years ago, the United States would have serenely topped almost every one of these categories.

These factoids reflect a seismic shift in power and attitudes. It is one that I sense when I travel around the world. In America, we are still debating the nature and extent of anti-Americanism. One side says that the problem is real and worrying and that we must woo the world back. The other says this is the inevitable price of power and that many of these countries are envious—and vaguely French—so we can safely ignore their griping. But while we argue over why they hate us, "they" have moved on, and are now far more interested in other, more dynamic parts of the globe. The world has shifted from anti-Americanism to post-Americanism"